The first store is expected to open in Nashville, Tennessee, before the end October 2016, if all goes according to plan, and will likely be a sit-down restaurant concept offering a taste of South Africa. If the launch is successful, the company will franchise the brand across the United States.

Chesa Nyama started just three years ago and already has 300 stores, most of which are located in Gauteng, KZN, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. The brand is known for affordable braai meals, with popular menu items including the power box (R40), featuring pap and braaied chicken; the mak-hulu burger (R60), containing a whopping four patties, cheese and fresh veg; and beef stew and pap (R30).

“We have long had a dream of taking Chesa Nyama beyond the borders of Africa. The idea has always been to bring our iconic South African braai culture to America,” says Stelio Nathanael, COO of Gold Brands Investments.

The opening is subject to regulatory approvals and to the finalisation of detailed agreements, but we’re looking forward to witnessing country music stars chowing down on pap and vleis very soon.